Chamba DC unveils Rs 1,218 crore credit plan to boost agriculture sector
In a major move to drive agricultural development and enhance farmer welfare, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal unveiled the Potential Linked Credit Plan (PLP) for 2025-26, prepared by NABARD. Valued at Rs 1,218.70 crore, the plan focuses on fostering sustainable economic growth in Chamba by boosting financial support to key sectors, including agriculture, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and social infrastructure.
The PLP allocates Rs 507.68 crore for agriculture, Rs 621.92 crore for MSMEs, and Rs 89.10 crore for priority sectors such as education, housing, renewable energy, and social infrastructure. The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the importance of banks and financial institutions leveraging this document to meet the district’s credit and development goals, urging collective efforts to turn these projections into measurable outcomes.
The announcement was made during a district-level monitoring committee meeting to review the progress of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). Thirteen FPOs, promoted by NABARD, SFAC, and NAFED, were evaluated for their performance. Repaswal highlighted the pivotal role of FPOs in providing essential farming inputs, market support, and value-added services to enhance farmers’ incomes.
Special recognition was given to the Holistic Himalaya Farmer Producer Company Limited in Bhandal, which has excelled in secondary processing of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and forest products. The company’s initiative to set up a laboratory for manufacturing herbal products was commended for adding significant value to local produce.
The Deputy Commissioner also stressed the importance of securing necessary licences for FPOs to streamline their operations and directed relevant departments to expedite the process.
In addition to the PLP, the meeting reviewed progress under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF). Chamba has been allocated a Rs 25 crore target under the AIF scheme, which must be achieved by December 2025. Repaswal urged departments and banks to identify viable projects and organise awareness camps to educate farmers and entrepreneurs about the scheme.
